Pages

Friday, February 19, 2016

Located in the Museum district, the McGovern Centennial Garden has grown into a lovely green haven. It has been a little over a year since the Garden opened to the public. Since then, vines have grown their way up the trellis; the Family Garden is bursting with leafy greens and fruit trees; and the rose garden has bloomed with a splendid variety of smells and colors. While I strolled and sketched on a bench, I watched families picnicing, couples reading books together, and dozens of people walking up and down the central earthwork. The garden is such a wonderful reminder of how far Houston has come in the last few years in regards to the importance placed on public green spaces.

Entrance to the McGovern Centennial Gardens

Arid Garden at McGovern Centennial Gardens

A view from the top of the earthwork

Family Garden

The smells of Roses and Rosemary float through the garden (photo from January-roses have since been pruned)

Roses at the McGovern Centennial Gardens (photo from January) The Roses have recently been pruned

I hope you take advantage of the gorgeous weather this weekend by walking through the Gardens!

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

I never thought I would say this: I want to arrive a few hours early to an airport. The Singapore Changi Airport has taken travel to the next level: Free screenings of movies, free internet access, free foot massage chairs, incredible shopping, fine dining. . . . and last but not least several stand-out gardens scattered through the terminals. The Gardens include the Sunflower Garden, the Butterfly Garden, the Orchid Garden, and the Enchanted Garden. Trees also grow in groves throughout the airport while koi fish swim in small ponds by charging stations. The green spaces go a long way to make you feel as though you're just passing an relaxing afternoon in a park rather than enduring the normal hustle before a long flight.

One of the hundreds of Butterflies swarming around the Butterfly Garden

Butterflies feasting on fresh pineapple slices

Small Lizards enjoy the nectar of bright Gerber Daisies

Greenery in the Butterfly Garden

Waterfall in the Butterfly Garden

One of the many groves of trees scattered throughout the airport

Orchid Garden

Flowers Bundled in the Enchanted Garden

The magical Enchanted Garden

Sunflower Garden on the roof of Terminal 2

Sunflowers turning to welcome visitors; how can you not be happy in this garden?

Just in case you forget this is at an airport. See you later Singapore!

Singapore's dedication to green spaces and its belief in the value of gardens both as a place of social importance and health benefits has helped turn the country into a place of extreme beauty. Any admirer of horticulture should mark Singapore as a place to visit in the future.